A new sumo hero blossoms
-
Loading... - Banyu Saputra
- 04 Apr 2022
- 336 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
A welcome return to Osaka
Anticipation was sky high. The spring tournament was returning to Osaka after taking place in Tokyo last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. What's more, sumo fans were allowed into Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium for the first time in three years.
There had been serious doubts about whether the basho could even go ahead in the city. In early February, the sumo association revealed that 252 members were infected with the coronavirus. Thankfully, the situation improved quickly.
And there was an added bonus. The nationwide drop in cases prompted the association to raise the spectator cap to 75 percent of arena capacity, up from 50 percent. That meant a maximum of about 5,600 fans could watch the action each day. Those who grabbed a ticket were surely thrilled to be back in the stands.
Lone yokozuna makes early exit
Terunofuji, currently sumo's only yokozuna, was the favorite for the title despite being struck with the coronavirus in early February. The 30-year-old was looking to redeem himself after underperforming in the January tournament, but pulled out on Day 6 in Osaka, citing injuries to his right heel and left knee.
Terunofuji's infection severely hampered his preparations. The yokozuna's stable master said his prize fighter was nowhere near top form after missing training for 10 straight days. Let's hope he comes back strong in summer.
Ex-ozeki and new sekiwake fight for the title
Rank-and-file wrestler Takayasu capitalized on the yokozuna's absence. The maegashira once had the second-highest rank of ozeki and, by Day 5, was in the blazing form of old – unbeaten and in sole possession of the lead.
Takayasu stayed ahead of the pack until Day 11, when he faced off against Wakatakakage, who was debuting at the third-highest rank of sekiwake. He too was performing well, with just one loss.
Their bout had the fans roaring. In the end, Wakatakakage overwhelmed Takayasu with a speedy and aggressive attack. The win put them into a two-way race for the cup, with four days to go.
Both wrestlers suffered another loss, meaning their records were still equal on the final day. Takayasu fought first, but suffered his third defeat. All eyes were on Wakatakakage, who faced off against ozeki Shodai. The sekiwake fiercely went for his opponent from the onset, but the higher-ranked wrestler found a nice inside position, from where he drove his opponent over the bales.
It meant only one thing: a playoff for the title between Wakatakakage and Takayasu, both tied on 12 wins and 3 losses.
Takayasu went for it, charging in with a relentless pushing and thrusting offense. But Wakatakakage endured, miraculously grabbing hold of Takayasu's belt at the edge of the ring. He swung his opponent out – making the match, tournament and title his own.
It was Wakatakakage's first Emperor's Cup, and the first for a newly promoted sekiwake in 86 years. The feat was last accomplished by the legendary Futabayama in 1936.
Wakatakakage is also the first man from Fukushima Prefecture in northeastern Japan to win a top division title in 50 years. In his victory speech, the 27-year-old paid tribute to the region, which was devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.
"The reconstruction of Fukushima still has a long way to go, 11 years after the disaster. I want to play my part by giving it my all in the ring." Congratulations, Wakatakakage.
And commiserations, Takayasu. He has come so close to winning the championship so many times, but once again missed out. "I accept the result, because I gave everything I had," he said before leaving the arena. "I'll come back stronger, and go for the title once again."
Personally, it's good to know Takayasu's fighting spirit remains as strong as ever. I really hope he realizes his dream in the near future. He deserves it, and definitely has what it takes. Read More...
